Bhubaneswar, May 30: The Odisha State Chapter of the Indian Society of Blood Transfusion and Immunohematology (ISBTI) was inaugurated in Bhubaneswar on Friday during a two-day scientific conference that highlighted the growing importance of transfusion medicine in modern healthcare. Eminent experts attending the event emphasized the need to ensure that no patient loses life due to the unavailability of blood.
The chapter was inaugurated in the presence of Odisha Minister of State for Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts, Pradeep Bal Samanta, along with senior office-bearers of ISBTI and leading healthcare professionals from across the country.
The conference, which also featured a Continuing Medical Education (CME) programme, was organised by the Post-Graduate Department of Transfusion Medicine of the Institute of Medical Sciences (IMS) and SUM Hospital, Campus-1, in association with SUM Hospital Campus-2 at Phulnakhara, SUM Ultimate Medicare, and the newly formed Odisha chapter of ISBTI.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Pradeep Bal Samanta said transfusion medicine has become a critical component of modern healthcare, with technological advancements significantly enhancing blood safety and patient care. He praised IMS and SUM Hospital for setting new benchmarks in transfusion medicine and healthcare research in Odisha.
ISBTI National President Dr. Yudhvir Singh said the organisation, established in 1972, has been working towards ensuring 100 per cent blood availability for patients. He urged healthcare institutions to strengthen voluntary blood donation initiatives and described IMS and SUM Hospital as a potential role model for the state.
Senior ISBTI leaders Dr. T.R. Raina and Dr. Sangeeta Pathak stressed the importance of voluntary blood donation and advanced technologies in ensuring safe transfusion practices. Experts also discussed recent developments in immunohematology, cellular therapies, and blood safety, underscoring the vital role of transfusion medicine in saving lives and supporting critical healthcare services.
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